A Chill in Paris...

Filed in archive Destination: Europe on April 6, 2009

BusinessWeek has a story at the moment on the economic chill sweeping the Paris tourism industry. They describe Paris as "the most visited city on earth" and say that the international economic down turn is "a catastrophe" for the city.

Airport arrivals were down 8% in February compared to last year. Hotel occupancy was down 10%.

Are there some deals available as a result? yes!

Some of the city's most exclusive eateries have introduced more affordable menu items and fixed-price meals. At the sumptuous Hotel Plaza Athénée in the swank Eighth Arrondissement, the Relais Plaza restaurant introduced a fixed-price dinner menu for $66, about half the average à la carte bill of $130, after suffering a 10% drop in clientele between December and March. "We're not worried about our future, but we are paying attention," a spokeswoman says.

Midpriced restaurants also are feeling the pain, as patrons trade down to fast food and takeout sandwiches from the local bakery.

If you have the money and the time, Paris could be a bargain at the moment.


© stevenvanwel